When it feels like 103 degrees outside, the only thing that will lure me out of my house is food. When my stomach growls, I make a mad dash for my car, pick up breakfast, lunch, or dinner and drive home at top speed. This month, I discovered new quick bites around town that made me smile even while I was melting.
SoBol (14 E. Main St., Oyster Bay; 214 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove)
For breakfast: I visited this healthy-style café filled with smoothies and fresh-fruit-fun-food. I tried the new strawberry Belgian waffle. Oh, my goodness. Imagine your great grandmother and grandmother collaborating and turning out an old-style, sweet, gooey, crunchy, warm waffle infused with strawberries. It feels as if you’re eating a hug.
Joe & the Juice (1579 Northern Blvd., Manhasset)
For breakfast or lunch: This new, super-nutritious café just opened and it’s a great addition to our neighborhood. The beverages range from unique smoothies to innovative juices, to healthy shots, to all types of coffees, lattes, and other brilliant drinks. The inventive “Trust Your Gut” smoothie includes kefir, strawberries, Fibre Booster, bananas, date puree and beetroot powder. The Iced Matcha Picante is filled with jalapeno and lime nectar, matcha and coconut water. There are turmeric shots, desserts, breakfast bowls galore, and so much more.
However, when I’m hungry, I need to chew everything in sight to feel completely satisfied. So, I’m madly in love with the sandwiches. My favorite is the Tunacado. It’s made with tuna mousse (tuna whipped into a mousse-like texture) plus avocado, tomatoes, and vegan pesto. The ingredients are wrapped inside two slices of “Joe’s Signature Flatbread” (long, thick, cracker-like slices of bread that are crispy and fiber rich). The eight types of sandwiches offered come in neat, pink packets that are easy to eat during your drive home in the heat.
Otherside Wine Bar (149 Glen St., suite 2, Glen Cove)
For dinner: I grabbed takeout from this homey wine and food café which recently reopened after a fire next door. There are nice, new menu options. I tried the Roasted Jalapeno Hummus. The silky jalapeno hummus is slightly spicy, but not overwhelming. It only made my nose run a tiny bit. Crisp chickpeas, pickled red onion, and herb oil huddle inside the hummus and surprise you. Fried pita on the side was the perfect dip for this quick food trip. Other newbies on the menu include Basque Style White Anchovies and Shrimp Al Ajillo.
Scream Easy Ice Cream Shop (39 Roslyn Ave., Sea Cliff)
Dessert: This new mini ice cream/retro candy shop is in the garden behind Foster Restaurant. On a hot day, you can be in and out in a flash with a cone or cup of Gifford’s amazing ice cream from Maine. Fun flavors such as Fly Fishing Fudge and Maine Deer Tracks fill the counter. I tried Peanut Butter Pie ice cream, along with the I Scream For Cake flavor. They were both creamy and dreamy, yet not ridiculously sweet. Retro candies are also sold in the shop. Though I refuse to cook, I do like to make concoctions. So, I bought Pez and swirled it inside my Peanut Butter Pie ice cream. It was…interesting.
See you next month!
